Please join the ASCE-NCS on Tuesday, October 17 as Darryl K François, Chief of the Engineering and Technical Review Branch of the Office of Renewable Energy Programs, and Daniel P O’Connell, PE, GE, M.ASCE, Geotechnical Engineer with the Office of Renewable Energy Programs will discuss the engineering design challenges, energy production technologies and ongoing and planned projects in Maryland, Virginia and beyond throughout all the shorelines of the United States. They will be discussing their agency’s mission to manage development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way.

Wind energy has been used by humans for thousands of years. For example, windmills were often used by farmers and ranchers for pumping water or grinding grain. In modern times, wind energy is mainly used to generate electricity, primarily through the use of wind turbines.

Mr. Darryl François is responsible for managing the regulatory framework that governs the development of renewable energy projects on the US outer continental shelf. His responsibilities include policy development and management oversight of the review of technical and engineering design aspects related to offshore renewable energy projects. In addition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Mr. François’ 37 year career with the US Department of the Interior includes service with the US Geological Survey, Minerals Management Service and Indian Affairs in the analysis of energy, environmental, technology, and economic development issues across the Department’s spectrum of public land management. He received his BS in Physics from Bradley University and his MS in Geophysics from the Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Daniel O’Connell has been with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management since 2013 and is responsible for reviewing engineering studies and plans for offshore renewable energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf, updating federal regulations and managing research activities. With a BS Civil Engineering from Brown University, O’Connell had 38 years of experience as a Geotechnical Engineering consultant in New England, California, and the Mid-Atlantic prior to joining Federal Government. O’Connell has been an American Society of Civil Engineers member since 1981 and is now Life Member.

What is ASCE-NCS?

Welcome to the website of the National Capital Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), a professional society for civil engineers. ASCE was founded in 1852, represents 130,000 members of the civil engineering professional worldwide, and is America's oldest national engineering society.

The National Capital Section was founded in 1916 and currently has more than 3,100 members. The section is located in Region 2 (link to region 2: http://region2.asce.org/). The National Capital Section serves the District of Columbia; the counties of Montgomery and Prince Georges in Maryland, except College Park in Prince Georges County; the counties of Fairfax and Arlington, and City of Alexandria in Virginia. The National Capital Section's mission includes:

To advance the professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering for our members and those we serve.

To advocate for our profession with those whose actions affect us, and to educate those whose actions and responsibilities could benefit from a better understanding of the contributions of civil engineers.

To improve our community through effective community outreach programs, local involvement and educational efforts.

Own a Copy of Inspiring Stories and Images of Infrastructure in the D.C. Area!